Distorted sound from speakers
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 41
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From: Minneapolis, MN
Distorted sound from speakers
I have an 01 Ultra Classic and I am getting a distorted sound from the radio when it is turned up past 1/2 way and I am driving down the road.
The sound is hard to describe. It is not a foreign noise (Buzzing, static, etc)
But more of an extreme vibrato. It just sounds like it is pulsating.
Now it doesn't make any difference what source I am using (Radio, AUX, Cassette). I can't tell if the rear speakers are making this noise, but it is definitely coming out of both front speakers.
Like I said, it sounds good when the bike isn't moving or if the volume isn't turned up more than halfway. But I need to have it turned up that much in order to hear the radio over the motor.
The sound is hard to describe. It is not a foreign noise (Buzzing, static, etc)
But more of an extreme vibrato. It just sounds like it is pulsating.
Now it doesn't make any difference what source I am using (Radio, AUX, Cassette). I can't tell if the rear speakers are making this noise, but it is definitely coming out of both front speakers.
Like I said, it sounds good when the bike isn't moving or if the volume isn't turned up more than halfway. But I need to have it turned up that much in order to hear the radio over the motor.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 1
From: Republic of Texas
Audio distortion can occur when the speaker is under driven and over driven. If the sound is OK sitting still, then it's the turbulence from the wind distorting the sound waves between you and the speakers. I noticed it on my Roadie at speeds over 70 mph. If I crouch down beneath the wind, the sound clears up. Nothing changed with respect to the speaker output; just the environment between the speaker and my ears.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN
Yes, also when turned all the way up and parked.
And another note, the rear speakers sound fine.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 591
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From: San Antonio, Tx
yeah... Id say new speaker time, but thats still not something ive ever heard before... would suck to buy new speakers and still have it happen. Id do a test 1st before buying expensive speakers.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Sarasota, Florida
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: North Cental Iowa
If he's still got the stock speakers, new speakers are still a good investment even if that isn't the problem, & if it happens to be the radio the 8ohm speakers for the older models will work with an aftermarket radio, or most any radio that will fit an 01 anyway.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Roswell, GA
Call Radio Sound (HD's vendor for the radio in your bike) and ask for John in Customer Service; extremely knowledgeable and helpful: (502 267-6768).
You could also pull the outer fairing and test one of your "good" rear speakers in place of the front speakers and see if you get the same distortion. If you do, the problem isn't the speakers. If you don't, the front speakers are the problem.
Carl
You could also pull the outer fairing and test one of your "good" rear speakers in place of the front speakers and see if you get the same distortion. If you do, the problem isn't the speakers. If you don't, the front speakers are the problem.
Carl